Sweet Milk Drink (Uyu)
Uyu (우유) is a general term for sweet milk beverages widely enjoyed in South Korea, with the flavored milk series by Binggrae (빙그레) being particularly representative. Main flavors include banana, strawberry, and melon, among which ""Banana Uyu"" (바나나맛우유) has been known as a national beverage since the 1970s. Its compact, jar-shaped packaging and diverse flavors have made it a symbol of Korean beverage culture. Today, Uyu is available not only within South Korea but also at Korean supermarkets overseas, and its popularity has spread alongside the K-pop and Korean Wave booms.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 1800 Won
- Meal Date
- 11/24/2023
- Food Travel Log
- South Korea's fast internet makes working from the accommodation easy. Taking a break with the national drink, "Milk Uyu," felt great. Its simple sweet milk flavor is perfectly balanced. This comforting sweetness is something I aspire to emulate, though the sweetness only applied to myself.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Korea’s “Uyu (우유)” and Milk Beverage Culture
“Uyu (우유)” means “milk” in Korean, and is far more than merely a dairy drink—it stands as a deeply popular staple within Korea’s beverage culture. The product shown in the image represents the signature flavored milk series sold by Binggrae, a leading Korean dairy manufacturer. Among these, “Banana Uyu (바나나맛우유)” is especially renowned as a classic national product. The “mat (맛, flavor)” attached as a label to “uyu” comes in a rich variety of options, including, beyond banana, strawberry, melon, coffee, and more, with new versions emerging alongside changing trends and preferences.
Origins and Historical Background
Binggrae’s “Banana Uyu” first appeared in 1974 and has since become a mass-market drink, easily available at Korean convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines. In the 1970s, bananas were considered a luxurious fruit in Korea, making banana-flavored milk a product associated with a sense of indulgence, fondly received by both children and adults. To this day, the product is sold in the same uniquely jar-shaped packaging as when it was first introduced, evoking a retro image and maintaining its status as a symbol of Korean culture.
Taste and Nutritional Value
The Uyu series is a type of processed milk drink characterized by a sweeter taste and distinct aroma compared to regular milk. The product pictured is “Banana Flavored Uyu,” which enjoys overwhelming recognition within Korea. It typically contains about 200ml–240ml, with a somewhat lower milk fat content for a light, refreshing finish—while the sweetness and flavor fill the mouth. Generally, it serves as a source of calcium and protein, making it a popular choice for children, students, as a breakfast substitute, or as a drink for light meals.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Milk, sugar, flavorings (mainly banana essence), enzymes, etc. |
| Representative Flavors | Banana, strawberry, melon, coffee, among others |
| Typical Volume | About 200–240ml |
| Nutritional Value (per 100ml) | Energy: approx. 60–80kcal; Protein 2.5g; Fat 2.5g; Calcium 85mg |
Consumption Culture in Seoul
In urban areas of Korea such as Seoul, Uyu products can be easily purchased 24 hours a day at convenience stores and supermarkets, positioning them as everyday drinks enjoyed by people of all ages. They are also served in school lunches and workplace cafeterias, making Uyu a familiar taste to Koreans from childhood. In recent years, these drinks have frequently appeared as props in Korean dramas and films, becoming popular as a “local experience” among international tourists.
Package Design and Its Impact
The symbolic element of Uyu is undoubtedly its distinctive jar-like shape. Compact and comfortable to hold, with a charming appearance, the design strongly appeals to consumer sentiment and enhances the product’s image. Since the 1970s, the packaging has changed little, evoking a sense of retro nostalgia and playing a part in its lasting appeal.
Global Expansion
Not limited to Korea alone, in recent years, the influence of K-POP and Korean dramas has led to increased availability of these products at Korean supermarkets in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, the United States, Europe, and beyond. In local markets and multicultural contexts alike, Uyu continues to gain new fans around the world.